What is mimshach?

‎ מִמְשַׁח

Mimshach (prounounced 'mim-shack') is a beautiful Hebrew word I came across quite by accident and it just seemed a perfect name for this blog. I was having a look at Strong's Hebrew and Greek Lexicon online, looking at different words and their original meanings - something which has always been of interest. I'd been looking at words I knew of already such as 'dunamis' (a wonderful Greek word for 'miraculous power' from which we get the word 'dynamite') and the Hebrew 'ruwach' (meaning 'breath', 'Spirit', 'life'). I somehow stumbled across this new (to me) word – mimshach – after further rooting around...and it just somehow 'fitted'.

The meaning of mimshach is somewhat uncertain but Strong's H4473 refers to 'expansion', 'being outspread' (i.e. with outstretched or far-reaching wings), 'anointed'. The Hebrew word for 'anointing' is mishchah {meesh-khaw} or moshchah {mosh-khaw'}, meaning 'anointing', 'anointed', 'ointment'.This means to rub/paint oil on something or pour on or apply on something in whatever quantity. It indicates a consecration to service (separated for service).

When mentioned in the Bible explaining the downfall of the King of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:14), mimshach was, many believe, an allegory describing the beauty, splendour, and stretched forth wings of Lucifer (satan). He received this anointing from God in order to do his service in heaven. Of course, this was before his great fall and before sin and pride entered into his heart.

"You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you you were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones." (Ezekiel 28:14-16)

The Bible refers to Lucifer as the 'anointed cherub who covers'. The word 'anointed' used here was not and does not mean the same as used in other places. In this passage alone the Hebrew word used was mimshach {mim-shakh'}, meaning 'in the sense of expansion', 'anointed', 'expansion'. This means an 'anointing of expansion'. It was due to this grace that extraordinary abilities and talent were given to Lucifer to perform his holy assignment in heaven. The Bible makes it clear that this anointing was never taken from him. When sin and pride were found in his heart, the holy mimshach became corrupted in the fallen satan and therefore no longer served God's purpose.

It is believed that mimshach is the unique grace that brings manifestations and expansion. This was the grace that functioned in the lives of the Old Testament prophets. This was the heavenly secret behind the miracle ministry of Jesus. Everywhere He went He manifested the kingdom. He turned the water into wine, multiplied the bread, walked on the water and restored dignity to every person that believed on Him. This was the anointing that made Him a wonder to His generation while expanding the Kingdom of God. Today, Jesus is the full embodiment of holy mimshach. He is the Anointed One who has conquered satan, sin, death, and the grave. He is the beauty of heaven and the crowning joy of our lives. Jesus has given to us His very life, including the tools (as shown in the Bible) that made Him a success. This mimshach grace is one of the weapons from His arsenal that He has given to us to make us more than conquerors.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 37-39)

Today, the Holy Spirit is saying the same thing to us! As God's children, He wants us to be acquainted with the multifaceted grace that is in Christ Jesus and to use it for our advantage and for the furthering of the Kingdom.